Sometimes the most meaningful encounters happen when you slow down. Bush Wander’s private walking safaris are designed for travelers who crave a deeper, quieter connection to nature — one step at a time. Whether you’re strolling through Lake Mburo’s acacia-dotted plains, birdwatching in the wetlands of Bigodi, or threading your way through the rainforest trails of Bwindi, Kibale, Nyungwe, or Volcanoes National Park, each experience is intimate, unscripted, and led by expert local rangers. These guided walks offer a closer look at East Africa’s hidden rhythms, from the call of rare birds to the secrets of ancient forest paths.
Where We Walk
Our guided walking safaris take place across some of the most biodiverse corners of Uganda and Rwanda, each offering something uniquely immersive.
In Lake Mburo National Park, you'll walk among zebras, impalas, giraffes, topis, elands, and even hippos with a private ranger — one of the few parks in Uganda where walking with large mammals is permitted. Early morning or late afternoon walks offer stunning golden light and increased animal activity, making it a photographer’s paradise. You'll also learn about animal tracks, droppings, and the medicinal uses of savanna flora.
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, just outside Kibale Forest, is a community-led conservation success story. This elevated boardwalk adventure takes you through tropical wetlands and farmland edges where you'll spot over 200 bird species including the great blue turaco, papyrus gonolek, and white-spotted flufftail. It’s also one of the best places to observe red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and mangabeys.
In Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, our forest walks range from gentle village-to-forest routes to deeper hikes into the jungle. Here, your footsteps may lead you to secret waterfalls, rich biodiversity zones, and opportunities to encounter Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori batis, Bar-tailed trogon, and Kivu ground thrush. The Batwa community experiences in Mgahinga offer further insight into the human-nature harmony of the region.
Across the border in Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest offers thrilling canopy walks suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, as well as tranquil nature trails where you can spot blue monkeys, angola colobus, and over 300 bird species. Volcanoes National Park, famous for gorilla trekking, also features gentler bamboo forest trails ideal for those seeking solitude and scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes. Here you might encounter golden monkeys, forest duikers, and an astonishing array of orchids and butterflies.
Why Walk?
Walking offers a fresh, unfiltered perspective. On foot, the wild isn’t just something you observe — it’s something you feel. You’ll notice more: footprints in the mud, the medicinal uses of plants, the alarm call of a red duiker, or the subtle shift in birdsong as you move between habitats. It’s also one of the most sustainable ways to experience protected areas — low-impact, low-carbon, and deeply respectful. With a private ranger or community guide by your side, you’re not only safe but also enriched by storytelling, tracking, and spontaneous interpretation that makes each walk unique.
Our walking safaris support local conservation initiatives and community employment, empowering park rangers, naturalists, and guides who have an intimate connection to the land. In some parks, you may also be joined by researchers or porters from nearby villages, making it a true community-led adventure.
How It Works
All our private walks are tailored to your itinerary and interests. You'll be accompanied by a certified park ranger or community guide, and in some cases a Bush Wander naturalist who brings specialized knowledge in ornithology, botany, or tracking. Walks range from 1-hour strolls to full-day hiking experiences, depending on your preferences and fitness level. We provide binoculars, walking poles (if needed), insect repellent, and reusable water bottles to reduce waste.
In multi-day itineraries, we recommend combining walks across ecosystems — savanna, swamp, and forest — to experience East Africa’s stunning biodiversity from multiple angles. Walks can also be paired with sunrise bush breakfasts, bird photography sessions, or evening sundowners at scenic viewpoints.
Who They’re For
- These walking safaris are ideal for:
- Nature photographers looking for different angles and natural light
- Families with teens eager for active exploration
- Birders, botanists, and wildlife researchers
- Honeymooners and couples seeking quiet, shared adventures
- Solo travelers craving mindfulness and immersion
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a first-time safari-goer, we adapt every walking experience to suit your pace and interests.
Make It Part of Your Journey
At Bush Wander, we don’t just offer safaris. We offer stories told with your footsteps. Our private walking experiences are curated to help you travel slowly, travel meaningfully, and connect more deeply with East Africa’s living landscapes. Each walk supports community livelihoods and conservation, making your journey not just unforgettable — but impactful.
Come explore the wild on foot — where every step tells a story.
#PrivateWalkingSafaris #BushWander #WalkWithPurpose #SlowTravelEastAfric